Urban Safari: Capitol Hill's 14th Avenue

Designer duds and coffee stops along 14th Avenue

EAT + DRINKAt intimate Spinasse (1531 14th Ave.; 206.251.7673; spinasse.com), award-winning chef Jason Stratton makes authentic northern Italian pastas (and his specialty, rabbit meatballs) in an open kitchen. Next month, Spinasse will expand into the adjacent storefront (formerly Whimsy Home Décor), adding more room for dining, plus a bar, Artusi, where guests can enjoy a Piedmont wine while sampling from the new bar menu. >> We’re not sure if it’s the selection of records tucked into the back corner, the freshly roasted Herkimer coffee, or the fact that owner Zack Bolotin is there every day to serve you, but something about 2-year-old Porchlight Coffee and Records (1515 14th Ave., Suite B; 206.329.5461; porchlightcoffee.com) has us hooked. >> Next door, snag a spicy tapa or braised pork bocadillo (translation: one hearty, drippy sandwich) at Alejandro Meza’s hoppin’ late-night cafe, Meza Latin Fare (1515 14th Ave., Suite C; 206.922.2399; mezaseattle.com). >> Nearby on Pike Street, Old School Frozen Custard (1316 E Pike St.; 206.324.2586; oldschoolfrozencustard.com) serves up buttery smooth custard in the Midwest tradition, made fresh every day in vanilla, chocolate and a flavor of the day (check the website for stellar seasonal flavors, including key lime and raspberry).

PRIMPGet ready for swimsuit season with a cleansing visit to Salon Dewi’s new, larger location (1525 14th Ave.; 206.381.3482; salondewi.com). The heavily incensed lobby boasts shelves of beauty products as well as “serve yourself” tea. Dewi is home to “waxing diva” Travis Powell, whose Brazilian waxes ($70–$75) have had locals raving for years. >> Stop by 14th Ave Hair (1511 14th Ave.; 206.568.5366), where owner Lori Buono Anderson feels right at home (her family has owned the building since the 1950s; she opened her salon in December) and stylists offer cuts that won’t break the bank ($27–$40).

INSIDER TIPLocated a short walk west on PIke, nothing says summer is coming like a frosty pint at Elysian Brewery (1221 E Pike St.; 206.860.1920; elysianbrewing.com). This month, try the seasonal Bête Blanche, a Belgian-style tripel or the Loser ale, a tropical pale brew produced in collaboration with Sub Pop Records.